Package

Cultural Tour of Bhutan

Theme type: Heritage & Culture

About

Paro is a valley town in Bhutan, west of the capital, Thimphu. It is the site of the country’s only international airport and is also known for the many sacred sites in the area. North of town, the Taktsang Palphug (Tiger’s Nest) monastery clings to cliffs above the forested Paro Valley. Northwest of here are the remains of a defensive fortress, Drukgyel Dzong, dating from the 17th century. This beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan's oldest monasteries and temples. The valley is also home to Mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley.

Destinations

Paro Day 1-2
Thimpu Day 2-4
Punakha Day 4-6
Paro Day 6-7

The best time to visit

Paro throughout year
Thimpu throughout year
Punakha throughout year
Day 1
Arrival Paro

Upon arrival at Paro airport. Meet and greet by our representative and transfer to hotel. The country’s only airport is in Paro. The valley is also home to Mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley. This is also the home to some of the famous Treks such as Jumolhari and Druk Path trek. It is also a destination for bicycling, motor biking and bird watching. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2
Paro - Thimpu (1 HR DRIVE) Altitude: 2320m/7656ft above sea level

After breakfast drive to the capital city Thimpu, Thimphu is the most modern city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers, however it still retains its’ cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization. One of the most curious features of Thimphu is that it is the only capital city in the world that does not use traffic lights. Instead a few major intersections have policemen standing in elaborately decorated booths (small pavilions), directing traffic with exaggerated hand motions. The juxtaposition of ancient tradition and modernity make Thimphu the ideal location for visitors to break away from their tour itinerary and just immerse themselves in the lifestyle of contemporary Bhutanese.. Upon arrival check into hotel. Later in the evening dress up in Bhutanese costume and go for a dinner at an authentic Bhutanese restaurant. Overnight in Thimpu.

Day 3
Thimpu

After breakfast sightseeing, visit the memorial Chorten, Tashicho Dzong, National Library, Handicraft emporium, painting school. In the evening visit the Thimpu town. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4
Thimpu – Gangtey || (5 HRS DRIVE) Altitude: 2800m /9240ft above sea level

After breakfast drive to the valley of Gangtey/Phobjikha; it is well known as the winter home of the black necked cranes. Bhutan is home to around six hundred black necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from Tibetan plateau. On the way visit Dochula Pass where 108 stupas are constructed and you can view the snow capped mountains. Later continue your drive and visit the crane roosting center, Gangtey Monastery, school, villages and Gangtey nature trail. Overnight in Gangtey.

Day 5
Gangtey – Punakha /Wangdue || (2 HRS DRIVE) Altitude: 1350m/4455ft above sea level

Early morning drive to Punakha/Wangdue. Punakha narrates lots on the histories of Bhutan. It served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. It has the second oldest and second largest Dzong in Bhutan and one of the most majestic structures in the country. Upon arrival check into hotel. Rest of the time free at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6
Punakha - Wangdue

After breakfast visiting Punakha Fortress, Longest Suspension bridge, Nunnery, Hike to Kham Sum Yule Temple, Talo village, Fertility Temple

and Rinchengang village. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7
Punakha / Wangdue – Paro || (3.5 HRS DRIVE) Altitude: 2280m/7524ft above sea level

After breakfast drive to Paro. Upon arrival check into hotel. Later proceed for sightseeing covering hike to Tiger’s Nest (This is Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon perched 800m/2640ft up a seemingly sheer cliff.), Later visit Dzongdrakha Temple( Often called the mini- Taktsang, Dzongdrakha temples are built on the cliffs above Bondey village.) and visit Farm House visit(Picturesque farm houses dot the valley amongst fields and hillsides. We welcome you to enjoy the hospitality of the Paro farmers.)

Day 8
Paro - Departure || By flight

After breakfast transfer to airport to board your flight to onward destination.

For more details, get in touch with one of our travel experts.

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